DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum What Now Pt. 2

I've thought about your opinion of signing a OT in free agency so I've taken a look at the potential OT's that may be on the FA market if they aren't re-signed by the deadline. Sadly they look like low hanging fruit. I know the bar isn't that high at making marginal improvement on the OL at some positions, the OT spots being two of them, but I'm not seeing anything out there that says "We need to get that guy".

If the Browns only signed one outside free agent this year, I would want it to be Rasheed Walker. That would allow them to target interior and RT in the draft if Jones isn’t going to be ready to move back over to the right side where he has thrived at times.

I don’t see another free agent that will make as much of an impact.

Browns must avoid NFL free agency pitfall of signing Rasheed Walker

https://brownswire.usatoday.com/sto...ency-pitfall-rasheed-walker/88796979007/

Competiton among NFL teams for OT's is fierce. Rarely is a good one let go. If you look at the top 20 rated LT's all but one of them was re-signed last year.

What you will have are teams competing for the services of a less than average LT at top tier LT prices.

He is ranked 41st in overall pass-block grade (70.0) and his 2025 overall PFF grade was 52nd among 89 tackles.

Those are reasons he made it to the FA market to begin with.

First problem is citing PFF. Many of their attributes that make up their player grades are subjective. One glaring grade that isn’t was pass protection, which he had a 93.7% success rate in 2025, 11th best in the league. He has started every down over the past two seasons on a team that ranks 7th in sacks allowed.

You are also citing an article that suggests they not only spend one pick on a left tackle in the 2026 draft, but 2 of their first 3 picks on a left tackle in a draft that many consider to be a draft without a true left tackle with a future starter grade. Were you a big fan of Jedrick Wills? He was a right tackle that the Browns drafted to play left tackle and it showed horrendously. I’m not 100% against drafting an offensive lineman at #6, this was a really bad offensive line, but don’t draft a left tackle there, because there isn’t one to draft. Expect him to play right tackle and move on.

There are only so many players in the NFL that play the position high enough to not be considered every year as a player that needs to be replaced in order to improve.

I don’t think the Packers are going to let go of Walker easily, and we will have to over pay, but I would rather over pay and give Sanders a fighting chance to grow into this offense. If you hire another open gate at the LT position, he will fail before he ever starts. Walker gives him the best chance to succeed, whether it’s a veteran free agent or draft pick. If Bitonio has a relevant LT, he would play at the level we are used to. He had to do so much to cover up inadequate play, that he looked bad for the first time in his career. Draft some of these interior lineman that look like future starters and one of the RTs that might have to step in if Jones isn’t ready to come back.

That’s my two cents

I never at any point suggested the Browns spend two picks to draft a LT. As for stating that he "started every down for the Packers over the past two seasons and only allowed 7 sacks."

That is a convenient stat yet this past season the Packers gave up 29 sacks. What is painfully obvious is the Packers have even weaker players on their OL which their opponents use to exploit to get sacks.

I see you didn't propose any information, facts or statistics to counter the stats I posted. There's a reason for that. Instead you just shot the messenger. A very popular tactic these days.

We both want to see the LT position improved to help whoever it is playing QB. We just disagree that Walker is the answer to do that.

He didn't say you did. Maybe read again.

Me in particular? Or that I'm promoting the idea through my choice of sources? I mean he the went on to attack the source I was using in reference to PFF


As you would say, I guess since it lacks DNA evidence it must not have happened.

It just leads to the credibility of the sources. It is well known, I’m not making it up that many people don’t like PFF as a source because of the naked eye nature of many of the stats used to come up with their grades. I don’t mind eye of the beholder to give there opinions on someone, but just to see a grade based off of those observations loses a little credibility. Breaking down those thoughts are one thing, but give them a rating is quite another.

I also didn’t say he gave up 7 sacks over two years, I said he started every game on a team that RANKED 7th in the NFL in sacks allowed. These are tangible numbers. He stays healthy and his line as a whole performed very well. He personally ranked 11th in pass protection, sacks allowed and pressures allowed. These are tangible numbers that EVERY news source tracks, not formulas made up of personal opinions at PFF.

Regardless, you are right, we both see the need to take a major leap in improving the position. I gave the best option that is actually available to us, unless his home team steps up and keeps him prior to free agency. You cited an article that suggests we don’t get a veteran, but rather draft two rookies in the first two rounds, that has a class that is cited as being very weak at the left tackle position.

It’s my opinion, the veteran who has proven it the past two years is a better option than two guys who have never even practiced at the NfL and their skill sets historically show they will be better off at the right side or on the interior.

You do realize 29 sacks allowed is very low, right?

The Browns gave up 51.

I’m not sure how we got to arguing over the Packers O-line, other than their left tackle is strongly considered the best left tackle available in free agency.


If you don’t agree with the article you cited, what would your path to improving the left tackle position be specifically? What player would you like to see in the roster to protect these young QBs to promote their growth?

Many people don't but most people consider it the #1 source for such information and I'm not making that up either.

You are basing your opinion on the fact of their overall OL play not his play in and of itself. He is ranked 41st in overall pass-block grade (70.0) and his 2025 overall PFF grade was 52nd among 89 tackles.

Those are his individual grades not "Well he played on good OL" stat.

You can take from that what you like. But as I said, we're both after the same outcome we just disagree on how to get there.

You still haven’t told me your plan. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way, but I did ask. We do not have the personnel on the roster, not even a developmental guy that we could put hope into that this is the year for him to shine. Who would your suggestion be to make a marked improvement? I would argue getting a large improvement at LT is even more important than improving the WR room, but not at the expense of passing on talent in the draft to take a less talented body to put at the hole left by Joe Thomas.

My opinion on Rasheed Walker would be a hard pass, we had a LT here in Jedrick Wills that people wanted replaced and Walker has posted similar numbers and has had similar grades the only difference is that Wills was on a rookie contract and Walker is speculated to get offers of $20 mill a year or more. I'd rather draft a guy like Freeling or re-sign Robinson as a stop gap and address the LT position in 2027 then to over pay for a an average player.

You had up until resign Cam Robinson. I would rather draft our tackles and sign free agent guards. With one of the 1st rounders the Browns have to draft a left tackle Freeling from Georgia, Loma from Utah, or Proctor from Alabama. They can also sign a right tackle earlier in the first and start opposite or 2nd or 3rd round.

Early on the in the analytics revolution in football, PFF was looked at as an industry leader. But I am of the opinion, like many others whether on this board or not, that other organizations have superseded PFF as it relates to more efficient data and analysis. And it is simply for the reason you stated. What they track is collected and rated by people w/o a uniformed process (as far as I understand their process to be). And people opinion's vary on what is deemed a good or bad play. That, and they completely changed their scoring process a couple of years ago to where it makes less sense than what it once did.

I'll reference PFF from time to time, but it in no way is it an industry standard as it was once perceived to be. I think most people realize that is the case (at least at this point in time) for available platforms sharing football data and actionable information.

I would only sign Wallace if it was cheap and it won't be. We can draft a guy that will probably play just as well with upside. Pass on RW.

I can get on board with Monroe Freeling. He is probably the only guy I think has a good chance at succeeding at the NFL level. So... that said, if he is the one true left tackle prospect, where do you think he lands on draft day? We still have evaluations to go through, combine/pro days, etc. But he will be graded the harshest on game film. If you think he is a 2026 starter at LT in the NFL, where does that put him on draft day... Do you want to spend the #6 overall pick on him?

I don't have a plan. That's well above my pay grade. And while I don't mean this in a derogatory way I've seen posters year in and year out come up with "plans" that either did or would have turned out horribly if they had been followed. I include myself on that list. What I do know is that I've seen this very same group of men in charge of the Browns make the decision to reach out of desperation only to come up short time after time. That's a mistake I don't wish to see repeated.


You won't find a second Joe Thomas. For some they didn't know just how valuable he was until he was gone. I don't normally pimp a guy hard in the draft, but I did him. I think you get it too.

I don't disagree with a single word you posted. Our only disagreement seems to be, which I'll repeat for the third time now, we just disagree on whether Rasheed Walker is the answer. The thing is there will be competition for his services. At 26 he will be being offered long term deals. You're not going to get him on some two year try out at 20 mil. a year. If he does fail you're going to have another high $$ albatross of a contract around your neck.

It's really quite simple. I don't share your view that he's the solution at the LT position. I'm not even trying to say that I'm right. We just gathered our own information and afterwords we came to two different conclusions.

I'm a father of a grown daughter. She 's in her 40's now in fact. I never tried to tell her who Mr. Right was. But I always told her who Mr. Wrong was.

We will know more after the combine. I expect him to jump up draft boards if he tests well because he is a left tackle. May end up having to use #6 to get him. If he was available to #24 that would be a huge bonus.

Right now most draft sites have Freeling as a late 1st rnd pick, with a good combine I could see him as mid 1st rnd pick (12-20 range) but it also depends on how college LTs Proctor and Lomu do at the combine and how teams view them.

I don't read too much into online mock drafts or rankings this early. I was more curious where everyone on here has him. If they rate him as a day 1 starter at LT, he is easily a top ten draft pick. I just don't think I could say that. I think he needs to add strength, which could add another 5-10lbs. I think he could step in and do an adequate job as a pass protector, but I think he currently lacks the leverage skills to be the run blocker that I think Monken is going to want. Now, that could be relieved with another Joel Bitonio clone to put beside him. Maybe if the plan is to wait on the WR room and go all in on offensive line.

I could see a trade down to maybe 12-19, get a trade like the Cowboys #12 and #20 in this years draft for #6, #70 and #107 or like Minnesota or Detroit down to 17-18 with a 2027 first and give a little something back.

If the Dallas trade happened, we could easily do one of the stud RT at #12, then come back with Freeling at #20 and hope he develops. Still have #24 for either an IOL or WR.

I just want to fix something.. either double up on WR if we stay at #6, then if Denzel Boston is still there at #24, take him also. Work on the interior of the line in round 2 and try to get a bridge to 2027. We have a lot to fix before adding a QB in 2027. We also definitely need to get a lot of pieces to properly evaluate Sanders, if that is the intention.

As much as we may have other needs .... if Caleb Downs is there at 6, I run his name to the podium.

Love Downs, but that is just too rich for a safety. We have way too many needs on offense, with offensive players rated just as high. I think he would be ANOTHER staple in the defense, but I don't see him lifting this defense higher than they already were in 2025. The offense, well, there is no where to go but up...

Agreed. Downs would be the guy another team will trade up with us for. A team that's a contender and needs a piece like him for the D.

Totally disagree

Jok may not play again

Downs can play in the box many times lining up near the line of scrimmage

His talent would be a great addition to the team needing a versatile guy

His run defense is what the Browns need

Put him in the big nickle and let the defense tear teams apart

Not even a thought if I'm Berry

Welcome to the Browns Mr Downs !

I wouldn't go all that crazy over him. Just draft one in the 1st round, then again in say the 3rd or 4th round. Maybe look for a young free agent of someone on a roster we might trade for.

The reality is we most likely won't be able to get it all fixed this year. All isn't lost. At least for this year we are probably going to lean more on the run and short passes. It's easier to find players who can run block.

I agree. I am not out on Downs at all. He would be a great addition. I do think we would probably trade down.

Look, I love Downs, I love a lot of Buckeyes in this draft and it isn't because I'm a Buckeyes fan, it's because they are some of the best players in the draft. We had a top 3 defense last year, JOK-Love this kid as an Irish fan and the fact he came to my beloved Browns...this defense didn't drop out of the top ten because JOK wasn't there. Was he missed (expletive) YES he was missed and will continue to be missed. He was a cornerstone player... Now, Schwessinger is a cornerstone player. Different type of player, same impact.

This offense will continue to hold this amazing defense back unless you put players on the roster to bring it out of the gutter.

A Carnell Tate or Chase Bisontis will impact this team as a whole more than Caleb Downs will... simply because either of them could help keep the defense off the field. If the other team isn't on the field to score points, then our defense will improve organically.

I am on either path here, improve the WR room IMMENSELY and make some improvements on the O-line at the same time, or go all in on the O-line and add a weapon or two at WR, TE or RB in the middle rounds. Either way, it helps the QB room and the team as a whole.

If we go all in on O-line, we need to trade down and get some more draft capital in either early stages of this draft or for 2027 in case we need to go get our guy at QB.

I want this team to be ready to draft a QB in 2027.. right now, it isn't even close.


**EDIT - Also, if you want to replace JOK, pay attention to the combine this week and take a look at Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas. This is a guy that can cover with the best safeties, but excels against the run in the box. Very athletic.

6. Cleveland Browns
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Like the Giants, the Browns need offensive line and receiver reinforcements. Unlike the Giants, the Browns have two first-round picks. So, although Miami lineman Francis Mauigoa is tempting here, Cleveland would likely take its pick of the entire WR class and kick the can down the order on the OL. Tate is at the top of the receiver list right now, with great hands and savvy route running. Cleveland wideouts combined for just four touchdowns last season, so after an 875-yard, nine-TD season, Tate could step in as the top option for the Browns.

24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

The Browns went with Carnell Tate earlier, but their entire starting offensive line from last season is unsigned: Cam Robinson, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin. And Dawand Jones, who would have started, is coming off a season-ending knee injury. So we know where this pick has to go.

Freeling has started only 18 games, but he's a solid pass protector. He just needs some work as a run blocker. His ceiling is high, and I like the idea of pairing the 6-foot-7 Freeling with the 6-foot-8 Jones as the O-line's bookends.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/...32-picks-pre-combine-predictions-round-1

If it fell this way, I'd be pretty pleased. That said, I think it is more likely Tate is there at #6 than Freeling still being there at #24.

I just don't understand the Malik Willis hype show.

Anyone that signs Malik Willis as their starter will be looking for a new QB as early as 2027.

Padding stats in relief duty does not make a future stud starting QB. He's a poor man's Lamar Jackson, so I get the allure and draw due to Monken, but he is not in the same time zone as Jackson. So far, because of the situations, his run to pass ratio is off the charts even compared to Jackson. Jackson over the past two seasons ran 22.7% and 18.2% of the time he had the ball in his hands(doesn't include RB runs). Conversely Willis has run the ball 27.0% and 38.6% respectively. There is no way that is sustainable for one. Two, defenses are going to catch up to him very fast once he becomes a regular starter.

Let's fall back on where he came from, he was a backup at Auburn where he could not beat out he likes of Jarrett Stidham who went on to be a 4th round draft pick and is on his 3rd team in 6 years, really good career backup. Let this digest, as soon as Stidham left for the NFL is when Willis figured out he wasn't going to be able to beat out true freshman Bo Nix... now we all know what Nix turned out to be, but no one knew that in 2019, all they knew was that Willis wasn't going to compete with him and so he left for the powerhouse Liberty Flames, playing in Conference USA, where he went on to pass for a career 62.4% completion starter... Yes, he ran like the wind, but he threw 47 Tds to 18 INTs over two years as starter.

I just don't see a diamond in the rough here that everyone missed out on and the Titans lucked out... no, the fact is, the Titans felt so little about him that they moved on after two years and received a 7th round draft pick to replace their 3rd round QB prospect. The Packers then used him ever so sparingly over the next 2 seasons and all of a sudden he is the prodigal QB in the 2026 off season. HE made the best of a wonderful situation and now apparently he is going to get paid, but I still don't get the hype over a backup that succeeded on one of the best teams during his backup span over the course of about 3 games. He has 6 starts in the NFL and is 3-3.

Sorry, keep me off the Malik Willis bandwagon.

Seems eerily similar to the Matt Flynn hype of 2012.

Thank you! I couldn't think of who it was, only remembering that he had nearly 500 yards in a season finale and became some coveted fQB prospect.

I certainly agree with you on Malik Willis. It reminds me of so many times Browns fans thought the back up QB should become the starter because they looked good coming in as the backup. And every time those backups became the starter those people quickly realized why they had been the backup QB.

I agree. We see this same situation almost every FA. You have a guy with a name people will remember (Willis was a talked-about QB in a previous draft), that has the absolutely bare-minimum NFL tape for people to see, and who is coming available for no draft picks (just big FA $$).

QB-needy teams start these feeding frenzies every time.


I asked before if one of these guys (younger but on their 2nd or 3rd NFL team, who may or may not had some raw talent but failed to translate that into a starting gig but did put a little good tape out there prior to their FA period) has ever panned out? I'm not talking about all reclamation projects... I'm talking about guys that got some love pre-draft, immediately faded to the background post-draft, and basically re-emerge in FA and get a big contract.

I agree, Irish. The people who want us to start marginal QBs and push for some miracle to turn a leftover on the roster into a starter and consistent winner astound me. Often they evidence a wait and see posture so we can see what we have. Often followed by opinions that we have enough if we just give them a chance to provide more of the same. I am not that curious. I am over the QB project we have embraced much too often. We need to draft one. The two we have each have drawbacks; I don't see either our starter. I will be patient while our new head coach builds a QB room that suits him. We need a fix here. Good luck at the combine.